Artificial Insemination (AI)

Information and Facts

Artificial Insemination is the generic term covering any procedure that introduces sperm into the female reproductive tract by means other than through intercourse and ejaculation. This usually involves the use of a syringe and catheter (small tube) or other specialized device that serves the same basic function. The sperm are deposited at the base of the cervix in the vagina (vaginal insemination), in the cervix (intracervical insemination, or ICI), or all the way into the uterine cavity (intrauterine insemination, or IUI). Vaginal inseminations require no special preparation of the sperm prior to placement at the cervix, while IUI requires the sperm cells to be washed free from the fluid that they are ejaculated with, the seminal plasma prior to placement. The semen, comprised of the sperm cells and seminal plasma can not be placed directly into the uterus, as the raw semen contains hormones called prostaglandins which can cause the uterus to cramp, sometimes severely. Some semen contains more prostaglandins than other specimens, and some women are more sensitive to protaglandins than others. Under most circumstances, sperm washing in the lab will remove enough of these prostaglandins to make IUI safe for your doctor, nurse, or midwife to perform without causing painful uterine cramping. AI is performed for many reasons and is the most common application when using donor sperm to achieve a pregnancy.

Side Effects and Risks Associated with AI (IUI)

Although IUI is very common, is relatively non invasive, and generally safe, the side effects and or risks associated can range from almost nonexistent to potentially very severe. The first and most obvious and desired risk involved with AI (IUI) is pregnancy. Pregnancy does put strains on the body and one should always act prudently and wisely by having a complete physical exam with their health care professional prior to trying to achieve a pregnancy. Physical discomfort from IUI-AI may be caused by the procedure itself which includes the use of a speculum, the placement of the catheter and specimen, and sometimes the use of tools to hold the cervix. Other risks involved in IUI-AI with donor sperm includes the risk of infection. Bacteria and viruses can be found in semen specimens produced through masturbation (outside and skin contamination) as well as being found in the vagina or associated fluids. These can be pathogenic (disease causing) or non-pathogenic. Infection rates from introduction of bacteria into the uterus through IUI procedures is rare at only 0.2%. Sperm donors and the specimens that they provide for use are routinely and repeatedly tested for pathogenic organisms (please see "donor testing and standards" webpage. In fact the regulation and testing of commercial sperm donors has worked so well that there are no know cases of HIV transmission from using quarantined donor sperm specimens. Reaction/cramping can also occur. This can be caused by individual reaction to any of the several ingredients found in the media to suspend and to protect the sperm during the washing or freezing processing that they have been put through. You can also have cramping from minute amounts of prostaglandins that may still be in the specimen after washing if you are one of the few with extreme sensitivities.